The New York Rangers have a lot of outside noise around them right now, but this team has struggled to score goals in their last two games. In fact, only one player has been able to score for the Rangers: They‘ve scored two goals in their last two games combined and Vincent Trocheck has tallied both of them.
The Washington Capitals have been just as poor offensively, mired in a losing streak that has now reached six games.
Both of these teams need a win to get out of their slump — which one will prevail?
Find out my best bet in our free NHL picks and predictions for Capitals vs. Rangers on Saturday, February 25.
Rangers vs Capitals best odds
Rangers vs Capitals picks and predictions
Even though the Rangers have lost three straight games, they’ve still been playing relatively solid hockey. They were the better team in two of those games, but the opposing goaltenders stole the show.
The Capitals have been a completely different story: This team just flat-out does not look good right now and they enter this game losing five straight games on home ice.
The Rangers have been playing too well for their scoring drought to continue — they’ve out-chanced their opponents, but the pucks just aren’t going in.
To boot, they will most likely be facing Darcy Kuemper, who has lost his last four straight starts and isn’t a goalie that is necessarily known to steal a game. Kuemper has a 16-18-4 record on the season and he is 8-8-2 on home ice.
This is a game the Rangers need to win, and they’re due for some positive regression. I like the Rangers flat out.
My best bet: Rangers moneyline (-145 at BetMGM)
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Rangers vs Capitals moneyline analysis
The Capitals may have gotten the best of the Rangers in the first meeting between these two teams, winning by the score of 4-0 at Madison Square Garden back on December 27th, but they have both trended in opposite directions since that game.
The Rangers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games, while the Capitals are 3-7-0 during that stretch. From top to bottom, the Rangers are simply a much better team, and they also happen to be the healthier roster. Washington will be missing John Carlson and Anthony Mantha in this game, which are two contributors to their offensive production.
Igor Shesterkin should be back in goal for the Rangers after taking the last game off and he will be very hungry for a bounce-back performance after a lackluster showing on Monday against the Winnipeg Jets. The Rangers are due for a win and so is Shesterkin.
Rangers vs Capitals Over/Under analysis
Offense has certainly been a struggle for both of these teams in their last three games. The Rangers and Capitals have only scored four goals each in their last three games combined.
The Under is 5-0-1 in the Capitals’ last six games against a team with a winning record and both of these teams enter this game allowing less than three goals against per contest.
The New York Rangers are skating to a 2.72 goals against average and the Capitals are allowing just 2.92 goals against per game.
Rangers vs Capitals betting trend to know
The Capitals have lost five straight games at home. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Capitals.
Rangers vs Capitals game info
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date: | Saturday, February 25, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
